Fire pumps are the heart of your fire protection system. NFPA 20 and NFPA 25 require routine inspections to ensure these critical systems perform when needed most.
Weekly Inspections
Fire pumps require weekly attention to catch problems early. Essential weekly checks include:
- Jockey Pump Pressure: Verify the jockey pump maintains system pressure within normal ranges
- Pump Room Environmental Conditions: Check temperature, humidity, and ventilation
- Valve Positions: Ensure all valves are in the correct positions and properly secured
- Controller Status: Inspect control panels for alerts, alarms, or abnormal indicators
Monthly and Annual Testing
More comprehensive tests are required on a monthly and annual basis:
Main Drain Test
Measures the static and residual pressures to verify adequate water supply. This test must be performed monthly.
Flow Test
Annual flow test at churn, rated capacity, and peak load conditions to verify pump performance matches manufacturer specifications.
Pressure Readings
Document suction and discharge pressures at various flow rates to create a performance curve.
Alarm Checks
Test all alarm functions including low suction, high/low pressure, power failure, and controller alarms.
Pump Performance Curve Evaluation
Compare test results against the original performance curve to identify degradation or issues.
How FireWATCH Makes NFPA Testing Easier
Complying with NFPA fire pump requirements is complex, but FireWATCH simplifies every step:
- Preloaded KPIs for Fire Pumps: All NFPA 20 and NFPA 25 test requirements are built into the platform
- Step-by-Step Technician Procedures: Technicians follow guided workflows to ensure nothing is missed
- Photos and Videos of Failures: Document issues with visual evidence for reporting and repairs
- Automatic Report Generation: Test results are instantly compiled into professional reports
- Annual and Monthly Test Tracking: The system alerts you before tests are due
Conclusion
Maintaining fire pumps ensures your system responds instantly when needed. With FireWATCH, you'll never miss a test again—and you'll have complete documentation to prove compliance.